The number of mermaid fishtails, sequins and nude-colored dresses was unusually high on the red carpet, from Angelina Jolie’s Elie Saab Couture to Cate Blanchett in Armani and Naomi Watts wearing Calvin Klein Collection. But it wasn’t the dresses stealing the scene. Lupita Nyong’o’s Fred Leighton headband created quite the buzz and it seems like Twitter still hasn’t figured out the designer of Anna Kendrick’s ruby clutch (it’s Rauwolf).

Liza Minnelli’s blue streak outshined her blue Halston Classic pantsuit and the over/under on the success of Amy Adams’ updo rivals that of the Superbowl. Speaking of hair, the trend at the 86th annual Academy Awards seemed to be a kind of windblown chic. From Portia de Rossi and Chrissy Teigen to Jennifer Lawrence, the hairspray was on thick Sunday — perhaps because of threat of rain?

It’s hard to know how men feel they can most differentiate themselves on the carpet. Some argue a suit is a suit, others defend the plethora of options: tie or bowtie, vest, ascot or, in Pharrell’s case, Lanvin custom-designed shorts.

But it was the white jackets, seen on “Dallas Buyers Club’s” leading men Jared Leto (by Saint Laurent) and Matthew McConaughey (Dolce & Gabbana) and the blue suits on Kevin Spacey (Burberry), Leonardo DiCaprio and Ethan Hawke (custom Dior) that stood out. Jeremy Renner opted for a white bowtie and a black jacket, while Will Smith sported an ascot — less risky than alternative colored suits, but noticeable departures from the norm.

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Change is never a bad sign, except when it’s disguised within the folds of the status quo. Adams wore a sapphire blue “tuxedo inspired” gown with a “subtle” train, according to Gucci, who dressed the Oscar nominee. Lawrence, in her now-branded Dior, opted for another fire-engine red dress, perhaps channeling her 2011 Calvin Klein frock.

Then there was Viola Davis, an early arrival to the red carpet who was radiant in her emerald green Escada gown, the color alone making her an immediate focal point. Likewise, “The Wolf of Wall Street’s” Margot Robbie was sporting a dark brown hairdo, as opposed to her beachy blonde, a self-reinvention that caused folks on the carpet to do a double take.

Who were your standouts? What actors or actresses may have missed the mark, style-wise? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

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The number of mermaid fishtails, sequins and nude-colored dresses was unusually high on the red carpet, from Angelina Jolie’s Elie Saab Couture to Cate Blanchett in Armani and Naomi Watts wearing Calvin Klein Collection. But it wasn’t the dresses stealing the scene. Lupita Nyong’o’s Fred Leighton headband created quite the buzz and it seems like […]

The number of mermaid fishtails, sequins and nude-colored dresses was unusually high on the red carpet, from Angelina Jolie’s Elie Saab Couture to Cate Blanchett in Armani and Naomi Watts wearing Calvin Klein Collection. But it wasn’t the dresses stealing the scene. Lupita Nyong’o’s Fred Leighton headband created quite the buzz and it seems like […]

The number of mermaid fishtails, sequins and nude-colored dresses was unusually high on the red carpet, from Angelina Jolie’s Elie Saab Couture to Cate Blanchett in Armani and Naomi Watts wearing Calvin Klein Collection. But it wasn’t the dresses stealing the scene. Lupita Nyong’o’s Fred Leighton headband created quite the buzz and it seems like […]

The number of mermaid fishtails, sequins and nude-colored dresses was unusually high on the red carpet, from Angelina Jolie’s Elie Saab Couture to Cate Blanchett in Armani and Naomi Watts wearing Calvin Klein Collection. But it wasn’t the dresses stealing the scene. Lupita Nyong’o’s Fred Leighton headband created quite the buzz and it seems like […]

The number of mermaid fishtails, sequins and nude-colored dresses was unusually high on the red carpet, from Angelina Jolie’s Elie Saab Couture to Cate Blanchett in Armani and Naomi Watts wearing Calvin Klein Collection. But it wasn’t the dresses stealing the scene. Lupita Nyong’o’s Fred Leighton headband created quite the buzz and it seems like […]

The number of mermaid fishtails, sequins and nude-colored dresses was unusually high on the red carpet, from Angelina Jolie’s Elie Saab Couture to Cate Blanchett in Armani and Naomi Watts wearing Calvin Klein Collection. But it wasn’t the dresses stealing the scene. Lupita Nyong’o’s Fred Leighton headband created quite the buzz and it seems like […]

The number of mermaid fishtails, sequins and nude-colored dresses was unusually high on the red carpet, from Angelina Jolie’s Elie Saab Couture to Cate Blanchett in Armani and Naomi Watts wearing Calvin Klein Collection. But it wasn’t the dresses stealing the scene. Lupita Nyong’o’s Fred Leighton headband created quite the buzz and it seems like […]